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Dallas Sex Crime Lawyer

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Dallas Sex Crime LawyerA sex crime conviction in Texas can carry decades in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and consequences that follow you long after any sentence ends. Even an allegation, before any charge is formally filed, can affect your job, family relationships, and reputation in the community.

Texas law treats these offenses among the most severely punished in the criminal code, with penalties that escalate sharply based on the age of the accuser, the specific conduct alleged, and whether any aggravating factors apply. The first step in protecting your future is knowing exactly what you are facing and what defenses may be available to you.

Our team at Pelley Law Office brings over 80 years of combined experience defending clients against serious criminal charges in Dallas and the surrounding area. We offer free consultations to review the specific allegations against you. Fill out an online contact form or call 214-560-1919  to get started.

Why Hire Pelley Law Office

Why Hire Pelley Law OfficeSex crime allegations move quickly, and the evidence in a case, including witness statements and forensic testing, can shape its direction long before it ever reaches a courtroom. Our attorneys begin building a defense from the moment we are retained, reviewing the state’s evidence and identifying weaknesses in the accusation. Our past case results reflect our commitment to obtaining the most favorable outcome possible for every client.

We understand that a sex crime accusation affects every part of your life, and we treat each case with the seriousness it deserves from the very first conversation. Our approach includes working with investigators and, when appropriate, forensic experts to challenge the state’s evidence rather than simply reacting to whatever the prosecution presents.

Types of Sex Crimes Charged in Texas

Types of Sex Crimes Charged in TexasTexas law covers a wide range of conduct under its sexual offense statutes, and the specific charge filed can substantially influence the penalties involved. Common charges include:

  • Sexual assault, involving non-consensual sexual contact with an adult or a child
  • Aggravated sexual assault, which involves additional factors such as a weapon, serious injury, or a very young victim
  • Indecency with a child, covering both sexual contact and exposure offenses
  • Statutory rape, more formally charged as sexual assault of a child, which can apply even when the interaction was consensual if the other person was under the legal age of consent
  • Continuous sexual abuse of a young child, which applies when multiple acts occur over an extended period
  • Online solicitation of a minor, covering certain electronic communications with someone believed to be a minor

Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual assault is generally a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault, covered under § 22.021, is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 25 years when the victim is younger than 14 and certain aggravating factors apply. Indecency with a child ranges from a third-degree felony for exposure offenses to a second-degree felony for offenses involving contact.

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is also a first-degree felony, punishable by life or a term of 25 to 99 years, with parole eligibility governed separately and generally more restrictive than for other offenses. These are minimums and maximums under the statute, and the specific facts of a case, along with any prior criminal history, can push a sentence toward either end of the range.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements

A conviction, and in many cases even deferred adjudication (a plea arrangement in which the judge defers a formal finding of guilt in exchange for supervised probation), for a qualifying sex offense in Texas triggers a requirement to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Depending on the offense, registration can last for 10 years or for life, and it generally includes:

  • Regular in-person verification of address and personal information with local law enforcement
  • Public listing on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s sex offender registry
  • Restrictions on living or working near schools, parks, and other locations where children are commonly present
  • Notification requirements if the registrant moves, changes jobs, or travels

Because registration can affect where someone can live and work for years or decades, avoiding a conviction, or negotiating a resolution that does not trigger registration, is often one of the most important goals in defending these cases. Employers, landlords, and neighbors can all access this information, which means the long-term impact of a conviction extends well beyond the time actually served.

Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

No two sex crime cases look exactly alike, and the right defense strategy depends heavily on the specific facts involved. Depending on the charge, potential defenses can include challenging the accuracy or reliability of witness identification, questioning inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements, or presenting evidence of consent where legally relevant. Some charges also allow an affirmative defense, a legal justification for the conduct itself, such as the close-in-age exception for certain charges involving teenagers near the age of consent.

Physical evidence, digital communications, and the timeline of events are often central in building an effective defense. In many cases, a thorough independent investigation uncovers details that were never fully examined by law enforcement, including witnesses who were never interviewed or records that were never requested.

Talk to a Dallas Criminal Defense Team Early

Sex crime investigations frequently begin well before formal charges are filed, and anything said to law enforcement during that period can weigh heavily on the case later. Our Dallas criminal defense team encourages anyone who becomes aware they are under investigation to seek legal counsel immediately, rather than waiting until an arrest has already occurred. Waiting even a few days to speak with an attorney can mean the difference between a case that never gets filed and one that moves forward with statements already on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need a Lawyer if You Have Only Been Questioned, Not Charged?

Yes. Statements made to police during an investigation, even before formal charges are filed, can be used as evidence later. If you’re unsure whether you’re a suspect, you can ask directly whether you’re free to leave, and you’re not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself.

Can a Sex Crime Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

It depends on the evidence and the specific facts of the case. Charges are sometimes reduced or dismissed when evidence is weak, constitutional violations occurred during the investigation, or new information undermines the original accusation. A skilled defense often uncovers these issues well before trial, sometimes early enough to resolve the case before it reaches a courtroom at all.

Will You Have to Register as a Sex Offender if You Take a Plea Deal?

It depends on the offense and the terms of the plea agreement. Some negotiated resolutions are structured specifically to avoid a registration requirement, which is one reason working with an attorney familiar with these cases matters from the start.

Talk to Pelley Law Office About Your Sex Crime Charge

A sex crime accusation demands an immediate, serious response. Pelley Law Office offers free consultations to review your case and explain the potential outcomes and defenses available to you so that you can make informed decisions from the very beginning.

Call 214-560-1919  or fill out an online contact form to speak with our team today.

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400 Crescent Court, Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75201

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